When Ntombetemba Ngobe got the opportunity to study at False Bay TVET College she grabbed it with both hands and took every opportunity to grow that the campus offered. With characteristic modesty, the former 2016 Student Representative Council President insists she got more out of the experience than she put in.
In fact, says Ntombetemba, who followed her National Certificate Vocational in Office Administration in 2017 with a National Certificate N6 in Public Management, “If it wasn’t for this College, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Where she is today is a proud recruit-in-training at the Metro Police Training Academy in Observatory, where she can’t wait to qualify to protect and serve her community.
A popular student, her wish to take on a challenge and interest in the campus community led naturally to election to the SRC. When she was nominated for President, she simply saw it as her responsibility to accept. Little did she know that the experience would open multiple doors that still benefit her today.
“Joining the SRC was the best decision I have ever made. It presented opportunities, improved my leadership and public speaking skills alongside my confidence and self-esteem,” she says.
She’s not just a strong advocate for studying and getting a TVET qualification. She passionately advocates for studying at False Bay.
Ntombetemba says, “I tell anyone considering to study at False Bay College to go for it! The College gave me opportunities I hadn’t even dreamt of.”
One of those memorable opportunities was a visit to Norway as part of a college student exchange programme. But there were less glamorous experiences that she values as much because, like her experience on the SRC, they helped her to find her passion for community service.
She still vividly remembers the College campus community outreach programme where students donated 100 pairs of school shoes and socks to a local primary school. “Collectively, we are able to achieve so much, even if we alone have so little to give,” says Ntombetemba, who hopes to join a community programme which motivates youth to persevere towards their dreams.
Although she was very active on the SRC, Ntombetemba says her SSDS Officer, Ms Mandisa Njozela, supported and guided her so that she was able to find her balance and go on to make a success of her time at College.
For her part, Ms Njozela says she admired Ntombetemba’s zeal and dedication. She says, “Ntombe always showed up! She was willing to learn, trustworthy, accountable and resilient. I could depend on her.”
These days Ntombetemba’s applying that dedication to days filled with classes and practical training in point duty policing a roadblock and handling firearms. When not hitting the gym in her personal time, she can be found hiking somewhere in the Table Mountain range.
